Up to now, disputes involving media companies were usually resolved in front of administrative tribunals and civil courts in appeal stages – frequently involving a very lengthy process which often became obsolete due to technical developments.

The Deutsches Medienschiedsgericht aims to resolve disputes significantly faster and, as a result, also more economically for all parties involved. The pre-requisite is that both conflicting parties agree to request the Deutsches Medienschiedsgericht for an arbitral verdict. This agreement occurs within the framework of the so-called arbitration clause. Within the framework of this agreement it is also possible to establish that the proceedings will be treated as confidential. Furthermore, both parties also decide in advance whether the arbitral verdict is final or whether the path of the ordinary courts may also be taken.

Alongside the arbitration procedure, there is also the possibility of conciliation and expert determination. The basis for the work of the DMS are the Rules of Arbitration.

On 1. September 2016 the DMS assumed business in its offices in the media foundation of the Sparkasse Leipzig. It was initiated by the Saxon State Chancellery and is aimed at national and international media companies. The Deutsches Medienschiedsgericht is supported by the association of the same name which ensures independence in terms of financial status and content. Founding members are the Free State of Saxony as well as the Medienstiftung der Sparkasse Leipzig, (media foundation of the Sparkasse Leipzig savings bank), Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (Central German Broadcasting) and the Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung GmbH (funding body for regional film and media projects).